CDC issues recommendations for novel flu virus

AHA News NowApr 5, 2013

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today issued diagnostic, infection control and treatment recommendations for patients with suspected H7N9 flu, a new avian flu virus identified in China. Since April 1, the World Health Organization has reported 16 confirmed cases of the virus in China, including six deaths. No evidence of person-to-person transmission and no cases in other countries have been reported to date. According to the CDC advisory, clinicians should consider the possibility of H7N9 infection in people with respiratory illness and an appropriate travel or exposure history. Although the majority of Chinese cases have resulted in severe respiratory illness in adults, the virus may cause mild illness and illness in children as well.